ArtsQuest partners with the PCA and ABE Airport to introduce art to the community with residency program artist Matt Halm.

Bethlehem, PA, August 17, 2023 – ArtsQuest, Arts in Education partnership through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), is excited to announce a community mural project event as part of the PCA Artist Residency program rostered teaching artist and muralist, Matt Halm along with students from a one-week “Public Art Intensive” session held at the Banana Factory summer camp program.

The event will take place on Friday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in Allentown, specifically at the pedestrian tunnel entrance located in the lower level (near the Short-Term Parking Lot).

Halm’s instruction encourages campers (ages 10-12) to learn more about public art and the role it plays in the community. Participants and their families will participate in this one-day event in an intimate setting which allows for more 1-on-1 engagement with the artist.

“We’re thrilled to partner with PCA and ABE for the first time facilitating a project of this nature that takes art from the classroom and incorporates it into the community,” commented Lisa Harms, Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education. “How a muralist facilitates public art and together with younger participants, they will make a positive impact on their environment plays an integral role in expanding art education throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

“This project combines two exciting elements: art and aviation. ABE and ArtsQuest have continued our strong partnership in developing initiatives that highlight creativity within the Lehigh Valley,” said, Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “Through a brainstorming process, we provided the muralist with numerous thoughts and suggestions for the design that could encapsulate ABE’s rich history which has been built by the community and will now be painted by the community.”

ABE will also host a one-day event for their employees to participate in painting the mural alongside Halm. A special public presentation will take place in September where VIPs will put the final ‘brushstrokes’ on the mural. (Date to be announced, shortly).

Media are encouraged to attend Friday’s event. Parking will be allowed in the short-term parking lot at the airport.

 

About ArtsQuest 

ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% of which are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

Information provided to TVL by:
Abigail Wolf